Image via Wikipedia Vacation or holidays are for building a life-time of memories for our children. As a kid I still remember those long train rides and spending all that happy first times of setting the foot in the cold waters or building sand castles. These are true vacations that lasts life long. Planning a vacation with toddler is tricky as they've grown enough to have their own ideas and wants for the places or play activities they want to enjoy.

First thing I guess learnt as a parent is change expectations of what a vacation is. Not getting get uptight when the schedule doesn't work, as most of times the schedules go awfully bad. Morning start time shifts to afternoons easily though how much planning we do. When everything is in place then type of place is difficult to choose.

First thing is to search for local unique area attractions. I live in Chicago and I've found these helpful websites to decide on the type of vacation and all places based on location -- suburbs or in the city.

The most important and useful first website is to check out ChicagoKids, a friendly searchable database of places to go in Chicago and its vicinities for children.



This is useful information and scrubbing this to our needs takes a bit of time.

Zoo :

For zoos, Brookfield and Lincoln Park are both rated top. I've been to both of them with my toddler, I like Brookfield better as it is bigger in size and have more attractions compared to downtown located Lincoln Zoo park. Brookfield zoo has both parking fee and admission fee with different options -- General Admission, Dolphin show, train ride, Stingray bay. It is all day event and as early you get in there it is better as afternoon sun takes toll on you and your toddlers energy levels. Best time for Brookfield zoo is in summer. Lincoln zoo in contrast is famous for its zoo lights in winter time. Proper winter clothing for toddler is the stringent requirement for harshest Chicago winters. Only parking fee is required and no admission fee is charged at Lincoln Zoo.

Museums :

The best time for museum visits is in winter. A children's museum at Navy Pier in winter is a good hang out though the parking at Navy Pier for a evening would cost anyway around $25.

The Museum of Science and Industry (http://www.msichicago.org/) is another favorite. Is it right for Toddlers ? It depends on the likes of your toddler. They have interactive touchy-feely stuff. Cool stuff about cars, trains, submarines, the human body, etc.

Field Museum -- It is for kids who love the exhibits of mammals & birds from around the world. Check out the dinosaur exhibit

Planetarium :

Adler Planetarium may be for bigger kids for educational purposes and if your toddler is quite and can sit for few hours then this can be added to the list.

Others : Millennium Park is good for summers with the Chicago view bean and fountain where kids can get their feet wet in hot summers. The Shedd Aqarium is a great destination if your toddler is into Nemo or fish as my one does. Nearby Wisconsin Dells are popular with kids with their indoor and outdoor water parks built around Lake Delton suited for all the seasons. On way to Dells there are quite a few attractions -- Lamb's Farm is in Libertyville, Baraboo area -- circus museum. Sears tower deck, the largest building for your toddler to get introduced to heights.

Sources :
->My own experiences - 1)Brookfield Zoo Chicago Toddler attraction , 2) Lincoln park zoo lights in winter of 2007

->Chicago-for-Toddlers


Do you think of any other places that I missed in this post ? Please share with others via comments your and your's toddler's Chicago places & experiences

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Labels: Adler Planetarium, Chicago, Lake Delton, Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park, Millennium Park, Museum of Science And Industry, Navy Pier, Toddlers, United States, Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin

Promising Chicago cricketers - Abhijit Joshi (student of Waubonsie Valley High School, Aurora, IL) and five others are banned by Midwest Cricket Conference for playing in other leagues. According to DreamCricket - MCC announced that any player turning out for any other league would be punished. Abhijit Joshi who made a name and played in recent league with his back to back centuries in Guyana is the reason for the ban.

Other banned five cricketers are part of United Cricket Club. As cricket lovers these players keeps themselves busy in plying in multiple leagues in Chicago region.

"it is not Kevin Pietersen turning up to play for UK because he did not get on the South African team"

Because of this ban promising players like Abhijit Joshi who put USA team on world cricket map will miss the huge chance to play with seniors as part of MCC for Chicago. The issue at hand "Playing in multiple leagues" in Chicago has got required attention now such that American Cricket Associations ( United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) ) work on to resolve such issues and give life to USA cricket and to young players like Abhijit.

Labels: banned, Chicago, Cricket, Sports

Zoolights 2007 in Chicago is open in the evenings from 5 PM to 6 PM for about six weeks during the holiday season, beginning late November and continuing through early January. Parking is available on intersection of Cannon drive and Fullerton Ave. For 3 hours we paid around 14$ for parking at exit. ZooLights begins halfway down Cannon drive, a short walk from the Lincoln Park zoo entrance on Cannon drive. Our experience was mixed and our 18 months toddler enjoyed every bit of 3 hours and the place is bit crowded as weather is too good around 45 F with no wind chill. Apart from lights and animals , there are plenty of chance to make fun, winter themed crafts, decorate cookies, watch an ice-sculpting demonstration (Guy is too good with the chain saw kind of hammer sculpting the ice in few minutes), enjoy puppet shows, and listen to storytellers.

Labels: Chicago, Travel, Zoo

The first snow of the season has coated Chicago suburbs with a thin veneer of white over the dried grass.Very low visibility at times in the afternoon and light snow is witnessed.Thanks to Snow forecasts they are better year over year than they used to be and they continue to improve, but I believe snow forecasting remains one of the more difficult challenges for meteorologists.It is always fun to drive in the first snow with all vehicles on the road driving cautiously.One thing I hate most in snow is people not using headlights in the snow.Headlight usage is required during any driving conditions in which fog, smoke, rain or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions are present.

Watch this youtube snow video looks like taken this year in January:



Do you know that snow is formed from the water vapor in the air at a temperature of less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit.For making better snowballs use snow that is more densely packed (and where some of the snowflakes have been crushed and formed small amounts of ice).Snow crystals reflect the full spectrum of light,which we see as white. Skiing is another fun activity that i'm waiting to take my todler this year but have to wait little longer for powder snow (The type of snow that skiers like best is called Powdersnow as it is usually dry or slightly moist.Another snow fact, Glaciers are formed from the compression of snow over many years.Intersting "fun fact" is that it takes more energy to eat snow than it is worth.

Snow storms not only make driving conditions dangerous, but can present a danger to you and your family as well. Drifting snow can partially block chimneys, flues and vents - including the air intake/exhaust system of furnaces and hot water heaters.

Labels: Chicago, snow, weather

Bahai temple Wilmette - Chicago, IL

Bahai temple Wilmette is one of the notable religious architecture that is a must see chicago attraction when one is visiting the windy city.Wilmette's House of Worship is the oldest of the seven existing Bahá'í temples around the world.Wilmette is nestled north of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan.The village of Wilmette, Illinois takes you back to a time when the little shops were friendly and carried interesting merchandise and catered to you with the service that is so hard to find in today's world. Modern day Wilmette has all the appeal of small town America with the big city right at your feet.

Bahai temple Wilmette video :

Bahai faith and history:

The Bahá'í faith is one of the youngest of the world's major religions.It was founded by Baha'u'llah in Iran in the 19th century.Bahá’ís reside in more than 100,000 localities around the world, an expansion that reflects their dedication to the ideal of world citizenship.Bahá'í communities gather at the beginning of each month at a meeting called a Feast for worship, consultation and socializing. Bahá'ís continue to be persecuted in Islamic countries, especially Iran, where over 200 believers were executed between 1978 and 1998.Representing a cross section of humanity, Bahá’ís come from virtually every nation, ethnic group, culture, profession, and social or economic class.

Lotus Bahai Temple (Delhi):

There is a video room on the lower level of temple that screens (freely) the architectural road blocks & history in building these modern marvels.Seeing the people from Indian origin the staff at Chicago Bahai temple screened the Delhi's Bahai temple's construction and its history video tape.Lotus Bahai Temple (Delhi), Bahai faith represents the equality of mankind and oneness of its soul.The Terraces and Gardens at the Shrine are truly a wonder of the modern world.The video is so beautifully made that I'm adding Lotus Bahai temple to must see places.

Labels: Bahai, Bahai temple Wilmette, Chicago, Lotus Bahai Temple, Travel

My 1+ year toddler is so fascinated with her animals book she asks us repeatedly all the animal names and their sounds.This is a perfect time we thought a visit to the zoo will introduces her to the fascinating world of wild animals.Our hope was that she will learn about the animals, while spending quality time with us. I took some pictures and put a small photo gallery with photograph of the animal that she saw at the zoo.This keeps her busy now a days and distracts her from other toddler regular destructions.

The Brookfield Zoo is Located in Chicago suburbs , the Brookfield Zoo is very large and difficult to see all of the wild life in one day. Also the weather should be convenient as there is a great deal of walking in the zoo as space between exhibits is quite significant. On the other hand, it is quite a enjoyable walk as space between exhibits are filled with views of fountains, gardens, and parks.

Select the dropdown to watch the Brookfield Zoo Wild life gallery:

CamelsPeacockElephantsTropicalWorld Buffalo Deer Dolphin showSeal Loins African LoinSlothbears

Tropic World is housed in a big building, and is made up of multi species rain forest exhibits divided into three regions (South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa). Each exhibit is viewed from a trail perched in the middle of the building. Perhaps it's most intriguing characteristic is the species mixing.

Motor safari tram is nice addition if you would like to see all of the Zoo at one shot.This costs you extra money other than general admission price.



Dolphin Presentations is a nice to see show but not a must see show that I have seen previously in Baltimore, Maryland.

I have not used myself the coupons but when you register or online you could grab these coupons that might save you few dollars.

Labels: Brookfield, Chicago, Travel, Zoo

I got this in email -- posting it here if any one want to avail this coupon

Medieval Times Illinois Special Events:

Medieval Times Illinois Enjoy Fathers Day like a King One father free per each full paid adult general admission. Valid June 14- June 17 all shows Mention Code WEBFDF at time of purchase to receive discount Call 1- 888- WE- JOUST Cannot be combined with any other offer, Restrictions Apply Valid at the Schaumburg Castle Expires 6/17 Visit our website for more information: http://www.medievaltimes.com/

Labels: Chicago, Deals, fathers day, Medieval Times

There are two theaters in Chicago, IL that screens Telugu movies over the weekend.

Theaters Addresses

Desplaines Theaters
Address: 1476 Miner St,Desplaines ,IL-60016 8477598025

Comment : Arrive early to get best viewing seats as this theater had the 70 mm screen at an angle with most of the seats being spoiled. I personally wouldn't go to this theater unless the Telugu movie is a big hit or the movies is of a top star cast. Be sure to call in advance to book the tickets.

Bloomingdale - Court Theater
Address: 324 W Army Trail Bloomingdale, IL 60108

Comment : A nice theaters relative to Desplains.

Current Telugu Movies showed at these theaters

Idlebrain and Chicagocinema.com are the two sites that update these listings regularly.

> Click me for Idlebrian's movie schedule at Chicago

> Click me for Chicago Cinema's movie schedule at Chicago

Labels: Chicago, Desplaines, Movies, telugu movies

If you have your links to concert let me know via comments - I'll post them all in here.That way who ever sees this post can also stop at your links.

Concert : A.R.Rahman in Chicago

The "Asian Mozart" as promised hit the stage with big bang on June 9 at Chicago Sears Center Arena to screams from a crowd of 9,000 plus fans with his A-list singers. The A-list singers Sukhwinder Singh, Hariharan, Blaze, Naresh Iyer (Rang De Basanti fame) Chitra, Madhushree, Sadhana Sargam entertained the crowd with the music bonanza mix of Rahman's new works from more recent films such as "Sivaji," "Guru" and "Rang de Basanti" as well as his older, now
"classic" works from "Roja," , "Taal", "Bombay" "Dil Se." and some from his private albums.

Dislikes : Sound modulation in the arena seems to be offbeat some times and highly noticeable when Rahman was singing. Stage felt too small for that number of musicians , dancers and singers.Concert spectacle as hyped to include a laser and 3-D light show I felt did not live to its advertised expectation.

Besides these some minor things overall I felt and immersed in electrocuting experience for three hour Saturday night at A.R.Rahman concert.

How was your experience (If you have seen this concert) ? Do let me know via comments ...
Pictures:


Select the concert clip tab: Videos

Chaiya Chaiya SaregamayTelugu-Nelluru Nerajana[ Ulundhu(Mudhalvan)]RojaSivajiHumma1RoobaruDilse Humma2 Humma3Rahman-Blaaze Intro Speech Humma4Athiradee Vandemataram
Click play (>) button from the below video.

Labels: A.R.Rahman, Chicago, June 9, live concert, Movies, pictures, recordings, videos

When : Friday June 29, 2007 @ 8:30PM
Where: Copernicus Theater, 5216 WEST Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630
Other Singers: Gangadhar, Mallikarjun, Vinodh babu, Karunya, Usha, Suneetha and Vijaylaxmi
Tickets: $30.00,$20.00 and $10.00
Phone Numbers: 847.890.2366, 773.544.9777
Deals : None so far.

Labels: Chicago, Copernicus theater, Deals, Discount, June 29, live concert, Mani Sharma

Update : Click me for 'Talk of Chicago: 2007 A. R. Rahman concert' - concert review , photos and clips added
When: SATURDAY, JUNE 9, AT 8 P.M.

Where: Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates

A. R. RAHMAN MAKES HIS MIDWEST DEBUT AT THE SEARS CENTRE, FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Concert spectacle to include a laser and 3-D light show with a company of more than 45 musicians, 12 singers and 20 dancers direct from India !

Please Visit, for more information on the show and artists:arRahmanUSA.com

Where to buy tickets for this event:

Update: Sites shows that 40$, 50$, 60$ tickets are sold out

->Sulekha

->Sears center

Deals:
Please use your best judgement before buying any of the following deal.I'm no way asocciated with any of the following deals and just posting it here as I get them.

If you know of any other deals please post it via comments.

->Student discounts - If you are a student avail student discounts any where ranging from 10% off and above. Contact organizers

Sanjay
630 669 2536

->Only today evening (June 02'2007) at musical show if any one sings A.R. Rahman song then organizers are giving away free ticket for that singer.

Contact organizers

Sanjay
630 669 2536


->20% OFF deal - If the date is expired call Neil or Sanjay, See if they honor the deal.Deal is if you buy 10 tickets you will get two free ticktets i.e. 600$(12 X 50$) for 510$ so you get 50$ ticket for 42$ - savings of 8$ per ticket.

FOR ONE DAY ONLY
At: Sizzle India Schaumburg.
ONLY on Sunday, May 13th. AT 4:00 PM
20% OFF
For anyone who shows up for tickets....
AR Rahman Fan Club Meeting....
We are giving away Tickets, T Shirts
FREE CDs for EVERYONE who buys tickets...
Neil Mudigonda
630 873 9990

One more number
Sanjay
630 669 2536

Labels: A.R.Rahman, Chicago, Discount, June 9, live concert, Sears center